Decoy traversing and rotating system method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a system, method and apparatus for imparting a traversing motion and a rotation motion to a decoy. The system includes a first track portion, a second track portion securable to the first track portion and a sled for traversing along the tracks. A decoy is mounted on a pole rotatably secured to the sled. Two cables that are manually retractable by winding apparatus are each connected to a laterally extending arm of the pole so that the decoy is rotated to face the direction of traversal along the track. Retracting the first cable rotates the decoy in a first direction and to moves the sled in a first direction along the track section. Retracting the second cable rotates the decoy in an opposing direction and to moves the sled in the opposing direction along the track.

PRIORITY

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/477,219, filed Apr. 20, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/576,611, filed Dec. 16, 2011, both of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to hunting decoy movement systems, devices and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to fowl decoy movement systems, devices and methods imparting linear translating movement and rotational movement to the decoy, such as a turkey decoy.

BACKGROUND

Using decoys when hunting fowl assists the hunter in gaining the attention of or attracting the target fowl. It is advantageous to create the most realistic decoy scene possible to enhance effectiveness. For example, mock noises of the target fowl are combined with the use of the decoy. It is also desirable that the movement of the decoy be realistic. This is particularly desirable with regard to wild turkeys because of their characteristic back and forth intermittent traversing motion when feeding. Thus devices have been developed to impart a motion to a turkey decoy.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,558, for example, a linear track is provided wherein the turkey decoy is mounted on a sliding member that traverses along the track. In one variation, the hunter pulls a cord attached to one side of the sliding member to move the decoy in a first direction. Such movement elongates a tension spring. Releasing the string causes the turkey to move in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the sliding member is motorized. However, in both embodiments, the decoy maintains the same azimuth orientation (i.e. no rotation about the vertical axis), which lacks realism. Also, motorized decoys are typically illegal for use in hunting. Moreover, the practical length of the track is limited by the use of a spring or a motor. Such system would be relatively heavy and difficult to set up as well.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,902 discloses the addition of a rotational mechanism to the decoy's movement. However, the apparatus is again actuated by springs or motors, and therefore, is disadvantageous as discussed above. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved decoy movement system, method and apparatus.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a decoy movement system, device and method, wherein the decoy is manually moved in a linearly translating motion and in a rotational motion along a track. The system according to certain aspects includes a first track portion, a second track portion securable to the first track portion and a sled for traversing along the tracks. A decoy is mounted on a pole rotatably secured to the sled. Two cables that are manually retractable by winding apparatus are each connected to a laterally extending arm of the pole so that the decoy is rotated to face the direction of traversal along the track.

The decoy motion apparatus according to certain aspects includes a first track portion having a first channel and a second track portion configured to mate with the first track portion. The second track portion has a second channel that is aligned with the first channel when the track portions are mated. A sled is disposable in the first channel and the second channel. The sled includes a vertically extending decoy mounting pole rotatably secured to the sled. An arm extends laterally from the mounting pole. A dual spool winding apparatus comprises a first cable securable to the arm and a second cable attachable to the arm. Each of the cables is independently manually retractable into the winding apparatus to impart both a rotation motion and a traversing motion to a decoy fastened to the mounting pole.

The method of manually providing traversing and rotational movement to a decoy according to certain aspects includes horizontally securing a section of track to the ground. A sled is disposed on the track section. A decoy is disposed on a vertically extending mounting pole rotataby mounted to the sled. A first cable and a second cable are each from a winding apparatus are both threaded through a first guide loop on a proximal end of the track section. The first cable is connected to an arm extending horizontally outward from the pole. The second cable is threaded through a second guide loop on a distal end of the track section and then connected to the arm. Retracting the first cable via the winding apparatus rotates the decoy in a first direction and moves the sled in a first direction along the track section. Retracting the second cable via the winding apparatus rotates the decoy in an opposing direction and moves the sled in the opposing direction.

Additional aspects and embodiments are explained in the detailed description and recited in the claims. The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, or describe each embodiment, aspect, example, implementation, feature or advantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferred embodiments for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carrying harness for a a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an assembly view of the winding mechanism of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a partial detail assembly view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an end view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a detail view of a portion of the decoy movement system in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a detail view of a portion of the decoy movement system in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a collapsed decoy movement system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an end view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a collapsed decoy movement system with carrying harness according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, these example embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, embodiment, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention. The invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, a decoy traversing and rotating system 100 is shown. The system comprises a first track portion 102, a second track portion 104 and a sled 106 configured to slide within the track portions. The system 100 can comprise additional or fewer track portions without departing from the scope of the invention.

Each track section 102 and 104 are longitudinally elongated members with a generally flat sliding surface and side rails 103 to retain the sled in the lateral and vertical directions. Each end of each track portion is provided with connecting features, for example, a male protrusion that is insertable into the recessed female portion of an adjacent track portion. End stops can be provided to the opposing ends of the assembled track portions to define travel limits of the sled.

The sled 106 is provided with features to rotatably receive a decoy, such as a turkey decoy. The disclosure in this application will be made with regard to the decoy being a turkey decoy, but other types of decoys can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the decoy receiving features comprise a vertically extending post 108 rotatably secured to the sled. A cap nut 110 or other fastener is used to secure the decoy to the pole 108. The pole or post 108 is secured on its lower end to a post receptacle. A post receptacle nut 114 is disposed on the opposing side of the sled to rotatably secure the post 108 to the sled 106.

A post arm 116 extends horizontally outward from the post 108. An arm elbow 118 is disposed on and extends outwardly from the post arm 116. The outer end of the elbow 118 receives a ring member 120. The arm 116 is secured to the post 108 by a fastener 122 such as a bolt, or other suitable fastening means such as welding. The arm can also be integrally formed with the post. The details of the above-described arrangement can be seen in greater detail with regard to FIG. 7.

The post 108 can be provided with a vertically telescoping portion 109 in order to accommodate a wide range of decoys.

A stake 124 can be used at the endpoints or other points along the track portions 102, 104 to secure the system 100 to the ground so that it does not easily move in a horizontal direction. The stake 124 can be inserted though apertures defined in the horizontal surface of the track or through eyelets extending from portions of the track. In the former arrangement, the stakes can serve as travel limiters for the sled. The end of the stake opposite of that for piercing the ground is provided with a guide eyelet 127 for guiding cables as will be discussed below.

A plurality of snaps 126 and rivets 128 can be provided to the outer sides of the track portions adjacent their ends for securement of a carry strap as will be discussed later in this disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the winder assembly 130 is shown. The winder is operatively coupled to the post arm 116 via a cable attached to the ring member 120. The winder 130 comprises a mounting stake 132 for mounting the winder housing 134 thereto. Inside of the housing, dual winding spools 136 are disposed. A handle protrudes outwardly of each spool and is operatively coupled to its respective spool so that the user can selectively wind the spool. The cable is would around each spool and then attached to the ring 120 form two opposing directions as will be discussed later in this disclosure. A plurality of fasteners 138, such as screws, are used to fasten the housing to the stake and to secure the spools in rotatable position within the housing.

Referring to FIG. 3, a carry strap 140 is shown for carrying the system 100 in a collapsed state. The strap snaps to opposing ends of the collapsed system and a carrying handle extends there between. the carry strap facilitates carrying over the user's shoulder or carrying in on hand.

Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of the system 100 is shown. Many of the aspects of this embodiment are the same as shown in FIG. 1 and will not be repeated. The stakes 124 can be inserted through an eye ring 125 when securing the track to the ground. The track portions 102, 104 are pivotally secured together by a plurality of hinges 105. The sled is also fitted with a plurality of horizontal wheels 142 to minimize lateral friction against the sidewalls in the channel of the tracks. A plurality of vertical wheels 144 allow the sled 106 to more easily roll along the horizontal surface inside of the tracks. A plurality of fasteners 146, such as bolts, rotatably secure the wheels 142, 144 to the sled. Vertically extending stop posts 148 can be disposed on the sled to define travel limits of the rotation of the decoy mounting post 108. Fasteners 149, such as bolts, can be used to secure the posts 148 to the top surface of the sled 106. A post cam 150 is secured to the decoy mounting post 108 with a fastener 152. The cam 150 extends laterally outwardly from the post 108 and is configured to be secured to a cable on its outermost end.

The winder assembly 130 shown in FIG. 5 is the same as previously described with regard to FIG. 2. However, in FIG. 5, the winding handles 133 are more easily seen. FIG. 6 shows an exploded parts view of the winder assembly 130 consistent with that described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 9A, 10, 11 and 11A, the system and apparatus 100 will now be described with respect to its use and a method of providing motion to a decoy. The track portions 102 and 104 are assembled and secured to the ground in the position desired for movement of the decoy. The winder 130 is secured to the ground at a position remote from the tracks and where the user will be located to actuate the system. Preferably, the winder will be longitudinally aligned, or only slightly offset form the same, in order to minimize the potential for binding of the cables. Each spool is would with a length of cable. The end of the cable is provided with a fastener 156, 158, such as a clip to facilitate attachment of the ring 120.

Both cables 160 and 162 are threaded through the proximal eyelet. Then a first cable 160 is fastened to the ring 120 of the post arm 116. The second cable 162, however, is threaded through the distal stake eyelet and then traverses back along itself until it too is fastened to the ring 120. The decoy is then disposed on the post 108 and fastened thereto so that rotation of the post causes respective rotation of the decoy.

The user's actuation of the first spool handle 161 to retract the first cable 160 as shown in the figures, causes the decoy to longitudinally translate along the track in a proximal direction (i.e. toward the user) by retracting the cable 160 to pull the sled 106 in that direction. Such pulling action on the first cable 160 causes torque to be applied to the post 108 via the arm 116, thereby causing the post 108 to rotate in a first direction. This movement causes the decoy to rotate to a forward-facing direction in the direction of movement. Conversely, actuating the second spool handle 163 to retract the second cable 162 causes the decoy to rotate towards the distal direction. Further winding of the second cable 162 completes the 180 degree rotation of the decoy and pulls the sled in a distal direction (i.e. away from the user). Thus the decoy is re-oriented for each direction so that it always appears to be moving in a forward orientation as it traverses along the track.

The user is thus able to vary the application of each cable via its respective spool handle 161, 163 in order to generate a variety of lifelike movements for a given decoy. For example, both rapid and slow movements, halting movements and direction reversals can be effectuated. The decoy can also be rotated back and forth while stationary. Combining such movements with realistic calls for the given decoy aids the hunter in attracting the desired prey. In one example application, a gobbler turkey decoy is mounted on the movement system and a stationary laying hen turkey decoy is placed adjacent one end of the track.

In one example embodiment, a turkey decoy can traverse the length of the track while always facing forward in the direction of traversing motion. The user can initiate and control speed of the traversing motion of the turkey decoy in one direction and stop and/or turn the turkey decoy to face the opposing direction and initiate traversing motion in the opposing direction. In addition, the user may at any point cause the turkey decoy to change direction and/or turn to face any rotational position that is desired. Generally speaking, the user will want to orient the turkey decoy to face forward along the traversing direction. However, when the turkey decoy is not traversing, the user may cause the turkey decoy to rotate while stationary, i.e., not traversing the track.

Hunting often requires considerable hiking or other access to remote areas, such as fields and woods. Thus, it is advantageous to provide for a means and method of easily transporting the decoy motion system according to the various embodiments of the invention. Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 12-17, the system and apparatus 100 will be described with respect to the collapsed state and a method of transport.

The two track portions can be disposed opposing one another as shown, for example, in FIGS. 13-14 to define a storage space therein to house the other system components. As can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 12, the winding apparatus 130, vertical decoy post 108, stakes 124 and sled 106 are disposed in the channel of a first section 102 of the track. Then the second section 104 is disposed on top of the first with its channel opening facing downwards. Hook and loop fasteners (item 164 as shown in FIG. 1) can be used to secure the various system components within the defined storage space. Additionally or alternatively, an insert can be placed in the channel to form-fittingly secure the various components. The inner surfaces of the track sections can also be provided with depressions or cutouts complimentary in shape to the system components to be stored. Thus, the various components are more securely retained and missing parts are more readily identified.

A carry strap 140 can be secured over the stacked housings adjacent each end as shown in FIGS. 14-17. The strap can be secured, for example, by respective snap portions on the outside rail surfaces of the track portions and the carry straps. A shoulder portion 166 spans between the ends to allow the user to easily carry the collapsed system in one hand or slung over one shoulder. Additionally, a decoy carrying portion 168 can be provided to assist the user in carrying the decoy to be used with the system. An adjustable buckle or other releasable fastener 170 can be provided the decoy carrying portion to make it easier to carry and release the decoy.

The various components discussed herein can be fabricated from a variety of materials, or combination of materials, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the various components can be a metal, such as aluminum, or be molded from plastic. A combination of metal and plastic components can be used. The carry strap can be heavy gauge nylon, leather, vinyl, or other suitable material. The cable can be selected from a wide variety of readily available fishing lines with a pound test rating sufficient to guard against failure for the particular size and weight of the decoy being deployed, or for the expected resistance to which the line will be subjected. The outer surfaces of the track sections can also be painted to covered in suitable colors for hunting such as a camouflage pattern.

In one example embodiment, the assembled track length is five feet and the total system weighs about 3.5-4.5 pounds. The light weight makes the system easy to carry form location to location. The system is also easy to set up and collapse. Longer movements can be easily accomplished by adding more sections of track. Providing for user-controlled actuation without the use of springs or motors allows for legal operation under the various hunting laws and also simplifies and reduces system weight and reliability. Curved track portions can also be employed within the scope of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products. Moreover, features or aspects of various example embodiments may be mixed and matched (even if such combination is not explicitly described herein) without departing from the scope of the invention.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 

1. A manually-operated decoy motion system for imparting a traversing and rotating motion to the decoy, the system comprising: a first track portion; a second track portion securable to the first track portion; a sled for traversing along the first track portion and the second track portion; a decoy mounting pole rotatably secured to the sled and extending vertically therefrom; an arm extending laterally from the mounting pole; and a winding apparatus comprising a first spool and a second spool, each of the first and second spools operatively coupleable to the arm so that the decoy is rotated to face the direction of traversal along the track.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ground anchors disposable through a portion of at least one of the first and second tracks to horizontally secure the track with respect to the ground.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second spools are operatively coupled to the arm of the pole with a respective first and second cable.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a carry strap securable to the first and second track portions when the track portions are in a stacked arrangement.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the carry strap includes a shoulder strap portion.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the carry strap includes a decoy carrying portion.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds.
 8. A decoy motion apparatus, comprising: a first track portion having a first channel; a second track portion configured to mate with the first track portion, the second portion having a second channel that is aligned with the first channel when the track portions are mated; a sled disposable in the first channel and the second channel, the sled including a vertically extending decoy mounting pole rotatably secured to the sled and an arm extending laterally from the mounting pole; and a dual spool winding apparatus, including a first cable securable to the arm and a second cable attachable to the arm, each cable being independently manually retractable into the winding apparatus to impart both a rotation motion and a traversing motion to a decoy fastened to the mounting pole.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sled comprises a plurality of wheels to support the sled in a vertical direction against the first and second channels.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sled comprises a plurality of wheels to support the sled in a horizontal direction against the first and second channels.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each track portion has a protruding male end and a recessed female end, the female end being configured to securably receive the male end of an adjacent track portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second track portions are connected to one another by a hinge.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a ring is disposed on a distal end of the arm.
 14. The system of claim 8 further comprising a carry strap securable to the first and second track portions when the track portions are in a stacked arrangement.
 15. A method of manually providing traversing and rotational movement to a decoy, the method comprising: horizontally securing a section of track to the ground; disposing a sled on the track section disposing a decoy on a vertically extending mounting pole rotataby mounted to the sled; threading a first cable and a second cable from a winding apparatus through a first guide loop on a proximal end of the track section; connecting the first cable to an arm extending horizontally outward from the pole; threading the second cable through a second guide loop on a distal end of the track section; connecting the second cable to the arm; retracting the first cable via the winding apparatus to rotate the decoy in a first direction and to move the sled in a first direction along the track section; and retracting the second cable via the winding apparatus to rotate the decoy in an opposing direction and to move the sled in the opposing direction.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising manually turning a first handle of the winding apparatus to retract the first cable and turning a second handle of the winding apparatus to retract the second cable.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising securing the winding apparatus to the ground in a location remote from the track section.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising mating a second section of track to the track portion.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising securing a carrying harness to the track portion.
 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: halting the retraction of the first cable; and retracting the second cable sufficiently to at least partially rotate the decoy without causing the sled to traverse along the track. 